RomaNet Co-operation Network

The project entitled RomaNet Co-operation Network was realised within the framework of Hungary-Slovakia Cross-Border Co-operation Programme between 1 February 2010 and 31 January 2011. Through the support of the European Union, the programme was aimed at the joint development of Hungarian-Slovak border region areas.

The reasons calling for the project

In general, Roma communities are characterised by a low level of qualification, a high rate of unemployment, the difficulty (or lack) of accessing medical provisions and other essential services, poor residential conditions and strong discrimination demonstrated towards them. As compared to majority society and the other minority groups, the European Roma population is in a multiply disadvantaged situation, their social and economic situation is aggravated by the prejudice surrounding them.

The development possibilities of Roma communities are greatly influenced by the professional preparedness of Roma civil organisations.

Our experiences acquired during the course of the realisation of our programmes and our partners’ feedback indicate that, with respect to their professional preparedness, the Roma organisations operating in the Slovak districts of Banska Bistrica and Kosice, and the Hungarian area of the North Hungarian Region (the most disadvantaged areas in both countries) are at disadvantage as compared to Roma and other organisations operating in other Hungarian and Slovakian regions. They have to overcome significant obstacles in order to enforce their rights and interests.

The reason for the main shortcomings is the lack of appropriate information and knowledge, which secures the long-term success of the initiatives of integration. The achievement of all these requires the strengthening of the Roma civil sector, which is impossible without the establishment and maintenance of trainings and new, strongand effective forms of cooperation.